Norm Smith Medallist

Reckon the 'bolter' will be a surprise this year, but ones I'm watching out for improvement from are:

Hanrahan - Shows AFL class. Has the side step and balance, disposal and ability to hit the scoreboard that you think would translate to AFL level. I reckon he is someone who would raise his level to the higher standard as well if given a chance. Not sure how far his fitness levels/following our game plan is away from senior level, but he has the X Factor and importantly hurt factor to translate his game to senior level and add something to our team.

Cousins - Has the intensity and has shown can handle himself at the level in his debut with a fantastic start. Needs to iron out his disposal, and look to be able to play off the flanks and add to his skill set, but I like him as a player. Has a lot more presence on the field than O'Rourke or Lovell did IMO. Has a real opportunity this year with where our list is at, and think he has the drive to take it.

Howe - Think he has another level to go to yet. Think once he finds a balance between his defence and attack, and settles in our side another year he can be a very solid player. Think it’s belief that he belongs that holds him back, and more confidence in his own game, in terms of his disposal and decision making, that needs to go up another gear. Would lift the depth of our side enormously if he could break out to another level.

Brownlow Medallist

Conor Nash and Harry Morrison are two youngsters Clarko seems to have great interest in, and sees potential int so that being the case, I expect big things from them in 2019. I also have a lot of time for Cuz; maybe because of my association with Mansfield, but the kid can play.

Reading this thread, there are so many exciting youngsters who will be fighting for places, I believe we should be looking at the way we have found all this talent with the low draft picks available to us. The way Clarko, Wright, Mackenzie and all involved go about it is to be applauded.

WARNING: I can remember the expectations for Grim., Boxer, Kurt, Litherland, and so many others who just couldn't take the big step to AFL, but starred at the second level, so time will tell, and our coaching staff would have learned a lot from the list of players who didn't quite make it.

Super Moderator

WARNING: I can remember the expectations for Grim., Boxer, Kurt, Litherland, and so many others who just couldn't take the big step to AFL, but starred at the second level, so time will tell, and our coaching staff would have learned a lot from the list of players who didn't quite make it.

It's a fair warning too TH, we get excited about our kids and sometimes glimpses turn out to be just that

Cuz can play, whether he takes the step up to regular senior footy will be interesting, but him finishing so high in the pre christmas time trial is a good start as he said during the year that building his tank was the most important thing he needed to do

Harry looks like he's going to be a steal and Nash could be anything if he can put the tools he has to use, whether he can learn what he needs to is yet to be seen but it won't be for lack of trying or smarts if he doesn't

Moderator

Worpel is in. Only 11 games into his career including 2 finals. He's had a taste and shown some great glimpses. Has what it takes.

Lewis: Everything I'm hearing about this guy (not just from Bigfooty) is that he's got a huge work ethic and his year in the VFL was much more because of that than talent. Not to say he doesn't have talent, he does, but without the work ethic you hit a pretty low ceiling. Has caught the attention of other clubs who will watch him closely this year.

Walker: Absolute ripper. Absolute steal. You'll see what I mean once he gets going.

Brownlow Medallist

Worpel is in. Only 11 games into his career including 2 finals. He's had a taste and shown some great glimpses. Has what it takes.

Lewis: Everything I'm hearing about this guy (not just from Bigfooty) is that he's got a huge work ethic and his year in the VFL was much more because of that than talent. Not to say he doesn't have talent, he does, but without the work ethic you hit a pretty low ceiling. Has caught the attention of other clubs who will watch him closely this year.

Walker: Absolute ripper. Absolute steal. You'll see what I mean once he gets going.

Club Legend

I agree that we seem to have a really strong group of kids with a shot at being good AFL footballers.

For me I'm really excited to see how Scrimshaw fares.

Because he came so cheaply i think its easy to forget that he was GWs #1 pick from his draft year. He's obviously got some things to work hard on but he could legitimately play all 22 games for us next year if he continues to get through his first full pre-season.